This warm apple pie oatmeal naturally gluten-free is the best breakfast hack!
Just sauté diced apples with butter, brown sugar and spices until soft, then add milk and gluten-free oats.
In just 5 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, comforting bowl that tastes like dessert for breakfast!
Topping with crunchy walnuts or pecans adds perfect texture.
Make a big batch on Sunday, and you’ll be set for cozy, no-fuss breakfasts all week long.
Ingredients
- Butter
- Apple
- Light brown sugar
- Apple pie spice
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Milk
- Gluten-free oats
- Walnuts
- Pecans
Recommended Tools
Making warm apple pie oatmeal is super simple with just a few kitchen basics. These tools will help you create that cozy breakfast treat with minimal fuss and cleanup while giving you perfect results every time.
- Medium Saucepan:
The perfect vessel for sautéing apples and cooking your oatmeal to creamy perfection.
- Wooden Spoon:
Essential for stirring your oatmeal frequently without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring Cups:
Helps you get the right ratio of milk to oats for that perfect creamy consistency.
- Chef’s Knife:
Makes quick work of chopping apples into even chunks that will cook uniformly.
- Cutting Board:
Provides a stable surface for chopping your apples without damaging your countertops.
- Measuring Spoons:
Crucial for getting the right amount of spices to create that authentic apple pie flavor.
Instructions for warm apple pie oatmeal
Let’s turn your ordinary morning oatmeal into a delicious apple pie experience! Here’s how to whip up this cozy treat:
1. Grab your saucepan and melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, toss in 1 cup of apple chunks (that’s about one large apple), 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of apple pie spice, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Let this magical mixture cook for about 3 minutes until your apples soften and your kitchen starts smelling like heaven!
2. Pour in 2 cups of milk (or your favorite dairy-free alternative if you’re keeping it vegan!) and bring everything to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Watch it carefully—nobody wants a milk volcano on their stove!
3. Once it’s bubbling nicely, reduce the heat to medium and stir in 2 cups of gluten-free oats.
Keep stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until the oats become soft and have soaked up most of that delicious liquid.
4. Want it extra creamy? Go ahead and stir in an additional 1/4 cup of milk.
This step is totally optional but absolutely worth it!
5. Scoop your warm oatmeal into bowls and top with 1/2 cup of crunchy walnuts or pecans for that perfect texture contrast.
Pro tip: Need breakfast ready in a flash? Make this ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Just reheat and add a splash of milk when you’re ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips
For a quick breakfast solution, prepare a large batch of this apple pie oatmeal on Sunday, portion it into individual containers, and refrigerate for up to four days – just add a splash of milk before reheating in the microwave for an instant weekday morning treat.
Substitutions & Variations
This classic apple pie oatmeal recipe can be transformed with simple ingredient swaps that maintain its cozy essence while introducing new flavors and textures.
- Berry Bonanza: Replace apple chunks with mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries for a summer-inspired twist that offers a tangy counterpoint to the creamy oats.
- Pear and Ginger: Substitute pears for apples and add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to create a sophisticated flavor profile with subtle warmth and spice.
- Banana Bread Oatmeal: Swap apples for sliced ripe bananas and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar, adding a dash of nutmeg for that authentic banana bread taste.
- Pumpkin Spice: Replace half the apple with 1/3 cup pumpkin puree, increase the cinnamon and add a tablespoon of maple syrup for a fall-inspired breakfast that rivals any pumpkin spice latte.
- Chocolate Cherry: Add 1/4 cup dried cherries during cooking and fold in 2 tablespoons of dark chocolate chips just before serving for an indulgent dessert-like variation.
- Savory Option: Create a savory version by omitting the sugar, adding sautéed onions and topping with a fried egg and fresh herbs for a hearty breakfast alternative.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
While perfecting your apple pie oatmeal variations is fun, knowing how to properly store leftovers will save you time and money in the long run.
I store mine in airtight containers for up to four days in the fridge. Just reheat with a splash of milk when you’re ready to eat!
Pro tip: portion individual servings before refrigerating for grab-and-go breakfasts all week.
Quick Weekday Breakfast
Warm Apple Pie Oatmeal
A comforting gluten-free breakfast that tastes like apple pie in oatmeal form.
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup apple chunks (about 1 large apple)
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 tsp apple pie spice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 cups gluten-free oats
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add apples, brown sugar, apple pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cook 3 minutes until soft.
- Add milk; bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium, stir in oats; cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently until soft and liquid absorbed.
- Optional: stir in 1/4 cup milk for creaminess.
- Serve topped with walnuts or pecans.
